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National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive

Submariners

2005

Life on board the submarine HMAS Rankin. From a six-part series which followed the crew as they prepare for naval exercises with the US Navy.

Curated by Damien Parer

This television series looks at the life of the crew on board the Collins-class submarine HMAS Rankin. It is an intimate portrait of the personalities and skills of the 65 submariners from the commanding officer, Steve Hussey, to the steward Chris McLarty.

Clip 1 – Training underwater

Commanding officer Steve Hussey conducts training exercises on board the Collins-class submarine HMAS Rankin. During these exercises, a real emergency engulfs the crew when a leaky exhaust valve fills the area with smoke.

Clip 2 – Acoustic warfare

HMAS Rankin is taking part in Silent Fury, an exercise with the US Navy. The submarine must avoid detection and make it past 'enemy’ ships and helicopters to be victorious. Acoustic warfare specialists explain how they won the exercise.

Clip 3 – Awarding the dolphins

Chris McLarty has been studying for his exams to achieve his submariner qualifications. In a ceremony, the commanding officer Steve Hussey is pleased to present the dolphins to McLarty. Following the tradition, Chris drinks a spirit of his choice and catches the dolphins in his teeth.

NFSA title ID: 674262

Production company: Electric Pictures

Running time: 6 episodes - 26 minutes each

Source: NFSA

Production company: Electric Pictures

Producer: Andrew Ogilvie

Director: Hugh Piper

Writer: Hugh Piper

Original concept: Greg Colgan

Original music: Keith Van Geyzel, Tim Count

Commissioning editor, SBSi: Ned Lander

Hugh Piper

Produced in association with SBS Independent.

Produced with the assistance of Film Finance Corporation Australia, ScreenWest and Lotterywest

Collections to explore

  • Documentary

  • 2000s

  • Navy

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